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Dolphins rookie Isaac Asiata still battling to claim his spot

DAVIE—When the Dolphins drafted Isaac Asiata in the fifth round, it looked like he’d have a good chance to vie for a starting job. He hasn’t been in the mix to start so far, but he’s coming around.

Asiata continues to work at both guard positions and center, and he’s feeling better about where he’s at than he did a few weeks ago.

“The game’s starting slow down and I’m starting to get the concept of the offensive scheme,” he said this morning. “It’s been nice to play in preseason games against other teams and get the confidence that you can do this. It lets you play faster. I’ve improved week-to-week in practice and games. I’m making the most of the reps I get.

“Nothing’s ever easy here. There’s only a select few who can do it. I believe in the process that if you work your tail off every day and study and do everything they’re asking, it’ll come. Some people might take more time than others, but I know if I keep working hard it’ll come.”

If he can push into contention, the Dolphins would welcome it. Their left guard spot is currently open after long-term injuries to Ted Larsen and Kraig Urbik, and they need a backup in place for center Mike Pouncey and right guard Jermon Bushrod.

The left guard spot currently looks like it’s a competition between Anthony Steen and Jesse Davis.

Asiata’s been frustrated by the rookie learning curve at times, but persisted through some early snags and could be ready to contribute by the start of the season.

“The hardest thing is that you try to take little victories and build your confidence, but some days are better than others,” he said. “Sometimes your confidence gets, not necessarily dropped but you get beat, beat, beat and it’s like, ‘Man, can I do this?’

“But I’ve talked to a lot of veteran guys and the coaches, too, and they tell me practices are where you can get beat and work on your technique and correct that and make changes. It wasn’t necessarily a low point, but I’ve gotta respect the process.”

Join our reporters for a special evening as they talk NFL with Dolphins Pro Bowl Guard Jermon Bushrod, two-time Super Bowl champion Bob Kuechenberg and former Dolphins Pro Bowl linebacker Kim Bokamper on Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at Bokamper’s Fort Lauderdale. The event is free to the first 100 people and will include raffles, light bites and drinks.